The new Ford Galaxy, which arrives in Ireland later this year, is a spacious, refined and technologically advanced people mover, offering luxurious travel for seven passengers.
Featuring the company’s latest global design language with a sophisticated grille and slim-line headlamps, the new Galaxy offers seven full-size seats, enabling families to easily switch between seating or load space with a segment-first feature that can be specified to raise the third-row seats at the push of a button.
Comfort is enhanced for front seat passengers with optional massaging Ford multi-contour seats, and for rear seat passengers with integral link rear suspension that offers a smoother, quieter ride.
The Galaxy takes the nameplate’s signature car-like driving dynamics to a new level with Ford Adaptive Steering technology, which adjusts steering ratio according to speed to optimise manoeuvrability and precision, and Ford’s latest fuel-efficient engines, including the powerful new 210 PS bi-turbo 2.0-litre TDCi diesel.
“Families across Europe have grown up with the Galaxy. Customers are reassured by its ability to carry seven in first-class comfort and safety, and to constantly surprise with its unmatched versatility,” said Ciarán McMahon, chairman and managing director, Ford Ireland. “The new Galaxy enhances those qualities with improved dynamics, fuel efficiency and refinement – as well as some very useful innovations.”
The Galaxy makes it easier than ever to maximise space for passengers and luggage. A control panel in the rear luggage compartment enables all five second- and third-row seats to be folded flat at the push of a button. As a segment-first, the panel also can be used to automatically raise the third row seats.
A flat load floor makes it easier to load large or bulky items, and the ability to slide and recline second- and third-row seats individually means seating and loadspace combinations are as easy to tailor to the school run as for trips to the airport. Customers can even choose the new cargo management system beneath the boot floor which offers 20 litres of hidden storage, and helps to carry taller items.
Drivers are supported by systems that monitor speed restrictions, pedestrians and other vehicles to help them focus on the task of driving. Further systems include Ford’s adaptive front lighting system that adjusts the headlight beam angle to match the driving environment, and can prevent dazzling other drivers with the glare-free highbeam function.
The Galaxy will for the first time enable parents to easily open the boot door even if they are juggling shopping bags, pushchairs, and toddlers. The hands-free liftgate now available on Galaxy can be opened or closed using a kicking motion beneath the rear bumper.
The petrol engine option for all-new Galaxy in Ireland will be Ford’s new fuel-efficient 160 PS 1.5-litre EcoBoost. And the entire Galaxy engine range meets Euro Stage VI emissions standards with CO2 emissions and fuel efficiency enhanced using:
Smart regenerative charging, which selectively engages the alternator and charges the battery when the vehicle is coasting and braking, recaptures energy that would otherwise be lost – reducing engine load for less fuel usage.
The auto-start-stop automatically shuts down the engine when the vehicle is at idle and restarts the engine when the driver wants to move off. Then there is the active grille shutter, which improves aerodynamics and optimises airflow for engine cooling.
In Ireland, the new Galaxy will be available in two series: Zetec and Titanium. Powertrains will include the 2.0 litre TDCi 120, 150, 180 and 210 PS units, as well as the 1.5 litre 160PS EcoBoost petrol engine. Pricing will start from €38,760.
Standard specification on Galaxy Zetec includes: 17” alloys; heated windshield; solar tinted glass; power-side mirrors with signal; day time running lamps; body colour bumper and door handles; front and rear parking sensors; and leather-wrapped steering-wheel and gear lever.
The Galaxy Titanium spec. adds: intelligent speed limiter; lane-keeping aid (with driver impairment monitoring ); rain-sensing auto wipers; automatic headlamps with auto high beam; and roof rack side rails.
Ford promises dynamic performance from the new Galaxy - also among the first vehicles to benefit from Ford adaptive steering technology that will make the seven-seater easier to manoeuvre in town, and deliver greater steering precision at higher speeds. The introduction of EPAS also enables torque steer compensation and active nibble compensation systems that cancel out unwanted feedback, forces and vibration.
Powerful, fuel-efficient new engines will further enhance driving appeal in town and on the highway. The new Galaxy will be available with Ford’s new 210 PS 2.0-litre TDCi Bi-turbo diesel engine that offers enhanced responsiveness and 450 Nm of torque from 2,000 rpm.
Ford’s enhanced 2.0-litre TDCi diesel engine with single variable geometry turbocharger technology is offered with 120 PS, 150 PS and 180 PS, featuring revised engine block, new cylinder-head and fuel injection designs, and lean NOX trap exhaust after-treatment system for cleaner emissions.
